Morrison dismisses ex-defence chief claims

Retired admiral Chris Barrie, who was chief of the defence force during the 2001 Tampa and children overboard scandals, accused Scott Morrison of "double handling" in returning asylum seekers to Syria and Iraq while warning of the dangers inherent in those war zones.

Immigration Minister Scott Morrison.

Photo: Wolter Peeters

Mr Barrie also said the government was violating its human rights obligations, including a fundamental principle by which states are barred from returning asylum seekers to countries where they face the risk of persecution.